The Who Sell Out

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Who Sell Out · The Who Sell Out was released on 15 December 1967. In the summer of that year the managers Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp devised a concept album modelled on a pirate radio station. The mods, the group's early audience, had grown up with such stations, which were banned by law in August 1967. The album therefore pretends to be a broadcast by Radio London, with jingles and fake adverts between the songs. Lambert produced it. The title is meant ironically, because at that time the group really did make advertisements.

Most of the songs were written by Pete Townshend, three come from John Entwistle and one from Speedy Keen. I Can See for Miles was the only single and became the band's biggest hit. The album closes with Rael, a short mini-opera in several parts. According to the source, lawsuits over the real brand names followed. Critics praised the album widely, and some see it as the group's best.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Armenia City In The Sky (Incl. Two Radio London Jingles)3:50Apple Music ↗
2. 2Heinz Baked Beans (Incl. "More Music" Jingle)1:01Apple Music ↗
3. 3Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand (Acoustic / Incl. "Premier Drums Commercial" / Radio London Jingle)2:34Apple Music ↗
4. 4Odorono (Incl. Radio London "Smooth Sailing" Jingle)2:35Apple Music ↗
5. 5Tattoo (Incl. "Church Of Your Choice" Jingle)2:54Apple Music ↗
6. 6Our Love Was (Incl. "Pussycat, Speakeasy & Rotosound" Jingles)3:25Apple Music ↗
7. 7I Can See For Miles4:10Apple Music ↗
8. 8I Can't Reach You (Incl. "Charles Atlas" Commercial)3:31Apple Music ↗
9. 9Medac0:57Apple Music ↗
10. 10Relax2:41Apple Music ↗
11. 11Silas Stingy3:06Apple Music ↗
12. 12Sunrise3:05Apple Music ↗
13. 13Rael (Pt.1 & Pt.2)5:56Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗